# The resource stack.

> Fifteen resources across Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3 — five per exam — with the rule that makes each one work and where it fits in the sequence.

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## Summary

A three-part resource stack covering Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3, five resources per exam, with the usage rule attached to each. Step 1 covers the Neil Randy HY PDF, Mehlman videos and HY Arrows under the 65% rule, the First Aid Guide's 646 decoded pages, Foundation Anki and NBME Booster, and Sketchy Micro plus Dirty Medicine. Step 2 CK covers choosing one notes set on day one, UWorld tutor mode, AMBOSS for biostats and the 200 high-yield concepts, Divine Intervention with 18 episode guides, and CMS forms 3–10 with NBMEs 9–16. Step 3 covers the biostats PDF and Anki deck, AMBOSS high-yield study plans, Mehlman micro and pharm playlists, the 90-page HY PDF, and 80–120 CCS cases in two passes.

## Key facts

- Fifteen resources total across the three Steps — five per exam
- The First Aid Guide decodes all 646 pages of First Aid page by page, with MCQs on each page
- Mehlman is a rescue resource: open him when a system's UWorld drops under 65%, skip him above 65%
- Foundation Anki is ~2,400 cards with the First Aid page number on every card; at ~400 cards a day that is a full First Aid pass in 5–6 days
- Sketchy Micro is ~85 bugs in 6 days, about 20 a day, with same-night MCQs
- The Neil Randy HY PDF moved scores by 5–10%
- Author scored 254 on Step 2 CK in 5 months; highest student scored 269
- Author scored 230 on Step 3 in 25 days; highest student 249, 100% pass rate so far
- Step 2 notes sets: Marish's Annotated First Aid for 250 (16–20 weeks) or Inner Circle Notes for 260+ (six months minimum)
- UWorld's biostats coverage is not sufficient for Step 2 — use AMBOSS for biostats and ethics early, and the 200 High-Yield Concepts in the final month
- Step 3: AMBOSS high-yield study topics run roughly 400–450 questions; every Day 1 block contains at least one drug advertisement question
- CCS: 80–120 cases in two passes; do not start until NBME 7 is above 210, then begin 4–8 weeks out
- Verdict exams by Step: NBME 27 → Free 120 (Step 1), CMS 3–10 and NBME 9–16 (Step 2), NBME 7 at 210+ (Step 3)
- Author completed all three Steps in 11 months

## Covers

best USMLE resources Step 1 Step 2 Step 3, free USMLE study resources, Mehlman Medical how to use, Neil Randy high yield PDF, Step 2 CK notes set Annotated First Aid vs Inner Circle, Step 3 CCS cases strategy, which Anki deck for USMLE, AMBOSS 200 high yield concepts

## Source

USMLE Vault — https://usmlevault.com
Author: Dr. Marish Asudani

Updated: 2026-08-26